Man held as pensioner’s body found

A PENSIONER has been found dead following a break-in at her home.Rosie Sutherland, 74, was discovered in her sheltered housing bungalow yesterday afternoon.

It is understood that her body was found by a family member who went to visit her. It was reported this morning that she had been strangled. Officers arrived at the grim scene at around 2pm yesterday. It is believed that she died on Saturday night or early Sunday morning.

A man has been detained and is being quizzed by police.

Last night the bungalow and all surrounding houses – many of which are occupied by the vulnerable and elderly – were cordoned off by police.

Today one resident who lived nearby said: “We live just down from her. We heard it was a suspicious death. It’s nasty.”

A police spokeswoman confirmed that officers were probing the death. She said: “Just after 2pm on Sunday 30 October, police were called to a house at Longstone Park where the body of a 74-year-old woman was discovered. Forensic examination is taking place and police cordons are in place.

“The death is being treated as suspicious at this time and there is no further information to offer.”